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Pennypack Pickings
Volume 7, Issue 16
July 25, 2009
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Pennypack Farm & Education Center
685 Mann Road, Horsham, PA 19044
Hosted by The College Settlement of Philadelphia
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Quick Picks
Local Foods Market Tasting & Potluck Dinner
Saturday, July 25, 5:30pm
Join us for a potluck dinner and lots of great local food! $2.00 suggested donation per person. Bring a potluck dish to share and your friends & family. Sign up in the harvest house.
On the menu - Bison Burgers from Backyard Bison, Pennypack Tomatoes, Beef Hot Dogs from Hendricks, Portobello Mushrooms from Lancaster Farm Fresh.
FOOD, INC.
Monday, July 27th @6:30pm, Ambler Theater, Ambler PA
Discussion to follow in the Theater Lobby
Please join the Pennypack Farm Farmers in an organized showing of the new movie, "Food, Inc".
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Late Blight Arrives in Horsham
By Farmer Andy
Recall the horrible Irish potato famine of the mid 1800s - when thousands starved and countless others fled for a better place to live (and eat). None of us were around at that time, but by all accounts this was a disaster of the highest order. Basically, much of Ireland had become dependent on potatoes as their food staple and when the crop failed one year, there was not much to eat.
The cause of this historical famine is known as late blight. It is a fungus that attacks potatoes and tomatoes, and over a period of several weeks, kills its host and launches spores into the air to find new victims. It spreads quickly and thrives under cool, moist conditions. The kind of conditions we have been experiencing throughout the spring and into the summer.
There is no sliver bullet for late blight. Conventional growers use a number of highly powerful and toxic synthetic fungicides to stop the spread of the disease, but for us in the organic farming world, there are few options. We must remove any infected plants and treat all others with an organic copper fungicide, which helps slow the disease. Hot, dry weather, the kind we usually have at this time of year is our best ally. But, in the current moist conditions, this fungus is thriving.
We have been vigorously scouting our tomato and potato crops this week and removing diseased plants. So far, we have not found any evidence of the late blight on our potatoes, but it has infected approximately ten percent of our tomato crop. These plants have been disposed of and all others treated with the copper.
At this time we simply do not know what affect this will have on our overall tomato crop. I would expect, at the very least, a smaller harvest than in past years and it is unlikely that we will be able to offer tomato canning shares this season.
However, we are hopeful that by removing the diseased plants and treating the others, we will still have a reasonable tomato harvest in the coming weeks. We will keep you posted on updates on this situation as they become available. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
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Summer Campers on the Farm
If you visit the farm on summer mornings, you will see groups of enthusiastic young "farmers" working and learning in the Edible Classroom or the fields. They collect eggs,pick garlic and learn about where their food comes from. These "farmers" are all summer campers from The College Settlement of Philadelphia (CSC). CSC is our land host and we collaborate on childrens' educational programs throughout the year.
In the summer, CSC offers camping experiences to children ages 8-12 who are economically needy and come from the five county Philadelphia area. Children come for a two week sessions of residential camp or day camp.
Some quotes from last week:
"Why do you guys put your potatoes underground?"
"I like these carrots, tastes like someone put sugar in them!"
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The Dirt on Education
Pennypack
Farm offers a diverse selection of classes and workshops throughout the
season and we hope you have an opportunity to participate. Please
remember the following when registering for any programs. Pre-registration and pre-payment is requiredTo register, send an email to education@pennypackfarm.org or call 215-646-3943 x3 Please provide the following info when registering: Names of all attendees, including children
Ages of children
Contact name, email and phone |
Essential Oils
More than Aromatherapy
Monday, August 3
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Susie
Beiler will help you to discover a powerful therapeutic modality to
incorporate into your holistic lifestyle. Learn how to use essential
oils in your home, in your body, and with your children and pets. You
will experience the oils through smelling them during the presentation
and learn the differences in quality of oils and how to choose the
best.
Registration is required by July 27
Fee: $12.00/person
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Sugar Workshop
Monday, August
10
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Presented by Susie Beiler. Are you
addicted to sugar? Add sweetness into your life! Learn the harmful
effects of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners in your body.
Incorporate healthy (chemical-free) natural sweeteners into your
lifestyle. Understand your cravings, empower yourself to live an
extraordinary life by adding sweetness to your life!
Registration is
required by August 3
Fee: $12.00/person |
Limited Spaces Still Available
 "Wildman" Steve Brill
Tuesday, August 18
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Naturalist-Author "Wildman" Steve has been leading foraging tours in parks throughout the Northeast since 1982. Kids & grown-ups alike are welcome to sign-up, send an e-mail to education@pennypackfarm.org
Cost: $20.00/adults $10.00/children
Come learn with the best about the native edible foods that are growing in your own backyard!
Click here to visit "Wildman" Steve's website for more information.
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Composting 101
Thursday, August 20
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Composting your yard and kitchen waste is an easy, thrifty way to both dispose of organic waste and feed and nurture your soil. Compost feeds your plants, improves soil texture and improves its ability to retain moisture.
Do you want to know how to make compost, without fear of odor, ooze or pests? This presentation will answer your questions.
Presented by Kathleen Geist, former Organic Recycling Educator the for Penn State Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County. Kathleen was known as the "Compost Queen" or the "Agent of Decay," and she taught thousands of happy County residents the basics of composting.
Cost: $10.00/per person
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 Farmer Andy Hour
4th Thursday of each month
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Join us as we kick off a new series of programs presented by Pennypack Farm's Farm Director, Andy Andrews. During each session Andy will discuss a different topic that is relative to both the farm and a home garden.
Fee: $10.00 per person/per program
August 27 - Preparing Your Garden for Winter and Looking Forward to Spring
Learn the best techniques for gardening in the winter, putting garden beds to rest, and which plants need to be planted now to ensure a spring harvest.
Registration is required by Aug. 25
September 24 - 100 Mile Diet
October 22 - Soil
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Little Sprouts - Summer Session
All dates are filled
Watch the Pennypack Pickings for future sessions. |
 The Playful Chef
Food, Crafts, Fun!
11:30am - 12:30pm
Ages 3 1/2 - 6 years old
Space is Limited
Does your child like to make snacks and eat yummy foods? Would you like to introduce your picky eater to some new foods? Join Chef Alisa Tammaro as we spend the morning cooking, making crafts and best of all, having fun. Put on a pair of messy clothes, bring your imagination and your appetite then get ready to party!
Pre-registration & advance payment is a MUST!
Cost: $12.00 per child/per class or
$10.00 per child/per class if registering for 4 or more classes
Tuesdays
July 28th - Garden Vegetable and Pasta Salad
August 18th - Fruit and Yogurt Sundaes
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 Birthday Parties at the Farm
CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD'S SPECIAL DAY WITH PENNYPACK FARM
If you're looking for a unique, fun and easy way to celebrate your child's next birthday look no further! Celebrate your child's birthday with a farm-theme related birthday party. Spend time exploring the acres of fields, playing games and tasting yummy organically grown veggies.
For more information email education@pennypackfarm.org
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Weekly Harvest
lettuce
carrots
beets
basil
parsley
onions
collards
kale cabbage
eggplant
cucumber
squash
zucchini
If circumstances permit:
tomatoes
potatoes
upick
beans
raspberries
blackberries
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Children's Eating
Habits Survey
Impact of CSA Membership on Children's Eating
Habits SurveyHello, my name is Lori DelSordo. I am a registered nurse currently pursuing my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at Immaculata University. I am researching the topic of childhood obesity in America. During my research, I discovered the positive impact that gardening and access to fresh food has on a child's diet.
Please help me by completing my survey.http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2joxnuafx80lmmq/start Additionally, I will be coming to the farm during selected pickup times with my survey.
Thank you for your time and for helping me be successful in my educational endeavors.
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Sampson the
Farm Cat
Sampson the Farm Cat
Needs a Home
Many of you may know Sampson,
the farm cat.
He lived at the farm last year, was taken home by one of
our CSA shareholders over the winter and spring and has returned to the
farm. He is a great cat, but we feel he would be happier in his own
home. If you might be interested in adopting Sampson, please contact
Andy at the farm or pennypackfarm@gmail.com
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Committee Meetings
The CSA and Education Committees are joining forces! Check future Pickings for new meeting times and agendas.
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Hazardous Waste
Collection
Montgomery County
Click here for complete details.
August 8th
Abington High School
Abington
October 24th
Lower Merion Transfer Station
Narberth
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Local Foods Market - Product List
Every week you will see here a list of products available in the local foods market. Bring your appetite and cash or checks at your weekly pick-up. Prices and selections can vary.
Click on a suppliers name to link to their website.
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Eggs, Cheese & Dairy
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Pennypack Farm
Fresh eggs from the hens you know!
Lancaster Farm Fresh
Apple Tree chevre, garlic herb
Apple Tree chevre, plain
Hope Springs baby swiss
Hope Springs Sharp Cheddar
Misty Creek Hard goat cheddar
Noble Cave aged cheddar - Special 10% off
Herbal Jack
Toy Cow Black Cherry Yogurt
Toy Cow Blueberry Yogurt
Seven Stars Dairy
7 Stars: lowfat maple yogurt
7 Stars: Plain Yogurt
Linden Dale Farm
Goat Feta
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Meat & Poultry
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Pennypack Farm
Broilers
Liver/heart packs
Neck packs
Backyard Bison
Bison, ground
Bison, bugers
Griggstown Farm Market
Chicken, basil and tomato sausage
Chicken, broccoli rabe sausage
Chicken, mozzarella and basil sausage
Chicken, white wine and garlic sausage
Chicken, spinach and feta sausage
Ground Turkey
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Fruits & Vegetables
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Lancaster Farm Fresh
Golden Delicious Apples
Cremini Mushrooms
Portabello Mushrooms
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Breads & Treats
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Metropolitan Bakery
Organic Spelt
Rosemary Olive Oil
Whole Wheat Baguette
Whole Wheat Sandwich
Granola 12 oz
Granola bars
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Pantry & Other
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Lancaster Farm Fresh
Honey: raw
Maple Syrup
Bobbi's
Garlic Hummus
Mild Garlic Hummus
Jalapeno Hummus
Kauffman's
Kauffman's Cider; 1/2 gallon
Sarah's Savories
Vrapple |
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